About Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. It helps your body remove extra fluid and waste products from your blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so on their own.
At Home Comfort Dialysis, we deliver hemodialysis in a warm, patient-centered environment in Dearborn, Michigan — combining clinical excellence with the comfort and dignity every patient deserves.
Clinical Note: Hemodialysis does not cure kidney disease, but it effectively manages kidney failure and can significantly improve quality of life when performed consistently and correctly.
Uses
Dialysis is used in two different clinical situations:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or days. AKI is usually treated in a hospital setting. In severe cases, dialysis may be needed for a short time until the kidneys recover.
End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)
When 10–15% of kidney function remains, measured by an eGFR of less than 15 mL/min. At this stage, dialysis is needed long-term unless a kidney transplant becomes available.
How It Works
A hemodialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney. Here's what happens during each session:
Blood Access
A surgeon creates a vascular access point — usually in your arm — so blood can travel to and from the dialysis machine. This is done with minor surgery before treatment begins.
Filtration
Your blood passes through a special dialyzer filter. Inside, a thin membrane separates your blood from the dialysate (cleansing fluid). Waste products and extra fluid pass through the membrane and are removed.
Mineral Balance
The machine keeps safe levels of potassium, sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate in your blood — minerals that are critical for heart and muscle function.
Blood Pressure Regulation
By removing excess fluid, hemodialysis helps control blood pressure — a major benefit for patients with hypertension-related kidney disease.
Return
Cleaned blood is returned to your body. Blood cells and proteins remain in your blood because they are too large to pass through the membrane.
Dialysate prescription: The composition of the cleansing fluid is customized for each patient according to your nephrologist's prescription — ensuring your treatment is precisely tailored to your needs.
Types of Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis can be performed at a dialysis center or at home. Your care team will help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle and medical needs.
In-Center Hemodialysis
3 sessions/week · 3–4 hours each
- Performed at our Dearborn facility
- Supervised by our clinical team
- Consistent, structured schedule
- Social connection with other patients
- No home equipment required
Home Hemodialysis
5–6 sessions/week · shorter sessions
- Greater flexibility and independence
- More frequent, gentler treatments
- Better blood pressure control
- Improved quality of life outcomes
- Training provided by our team
Effectiveness
Hemodialysis is a highly effective treatment for clearing waste products and extra fluid from your blood. However, it does not fully replace all kidney functions and is not considered a cure for advanced CKD or kidney failure.
In cases of sudden AKI, hemodialysis may only be needed temporarily until the kidneys recover. When kidney disease progresses slowly to kidney failure, dialysis is typically a lifelong treatment — unless a kidney transplant becomes an option.
Consistent treatment is key. Patients who attend all scheduled sessions and follow dietary guidelines consistently report better outcomes, fewer hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.
Side Effects
Hemodialysis does have side effects. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether a symptom is from the treatment or from kidney failure itself. Common side effects include:
Managing Side Effects
If you experience cramps, headaches, nausea, or dizziness during dialysis, our care team may:
- Slow down fluid removal to improve comfort
- Review the dose and timing of blood pressure medications
- Adjust your dry weight or target weight
- Lower the temperature of the dialysate slightly
- Switch to a different type of dialyzer
Additional Considerations
Dietary Needs
Your diet will change once you start dialysis. You must get enough protein and calories while limiting sodium (under 2,000 mg/day), potassium, and phosphorus. Our kidney dietitian will create a personalized meal plan for you. Staying within fluid and sodium limits between sessions is critical to avoid excess fluid buildup.
Health Insurance
Medicare covers 80% of all dialysis costs for most patients. Coverage typically starts on the 1st day of the 4th month of dialysis — or retroactively from day 1 if you begin a home training program within your first 90 days. Private insurance and state Medicaid may also help. Our financial coordinator can walk you through your options.
Travel
Dialysis centers are located throughout the United States and in many countries worldwide. Before traveling, you should arrange dialysis appointments at a center near your destination. Our staff can help you coordinate this.
Work & Daily Life
Many patients on dialysis continue to work and maintain active lives. If your job involves heavy physical labor, some duty adjustments may be needed. Our social workers can help you navigate workplace accommodations and support services.
Questions for Your Care Team
When considering hemodialysis, open conversations with your care team are essential. Here are key questions to ask:
What are the pros and cons of hemodialysis compared to peritoneal dialysis?
How do I know if home hemodialysis is right for me?
What should I expect during my first hemodialysis session?
How will hemodialysis affect my daily life and work schedule?
What dietary changes will I need to make?
What are the possible side effects and how can they be managed?
What happens if I miss a hemodialysis session?
What support services are available to me and my family?
Can I travel while on hemodialysis?
How will my health insurance cover hemodialysis costs?
What should I do if I experience complications outside of sessions?